Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she is monitoring the “serious and rapidly evolving” security situation in Mexico very closely to ensure that Canadians in that country stay safe – but no evacuation flights are planned at this time.

Warnings have been issued after violence erupted in numerous Mexican states.

“In particular, the Jalisco state, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, Guerrero state including Acapulco, Michoacan state, Sinaloa including Mazatlán, Quintana Roo including Cancun, Baja California including Tijuana.”

More than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada and anyone currently in the country is asked to heed the advice of local authorities – including sheltering in place.

Anand says registration is voluntary and the number of Canadians in the country is likely “much higher” but she is urging all Canadian travelers and those living in Mexico to register to get timely updates.

The violence appears to have been triggered by the killing of a notorious drug cartel boss by the Mexican military.

Anand told reporters yesterday that neither she, nor the Canadian government were informed of the military operation.